Rhemic Empire (2)

Misato's first two levels of friendship are not very useful. The third level makes up for it, but objectively, I wouldn't level her up to the third level after the first two. And in general, it's difficult to level her up; in the desert, she'll be killed by the first attack.
Genji. The first two levels are moderately useful (well, if I were a Kensei... but I'm not), the third level is great again. You did the right thing by taking him.
Sakurai. Slightly better than Genji at the first two levels (I would level up his Agility). The perk is very useful. I would take him again if I were to play the game again (but I don't know how I would protect him from being attacked!).
Satoshi.
Well, the recipes are great, of course, but it requires a lot of resources. And in any case, the best recipes are not found in this faction.
Konomi – +8/16 to useful characteristics. Then resources. She's quite good, it's a pity she doesn't give Yanagi.
Rie – Konomi, but worse.
Eichiro – Spirit is not my priority, but it's a great opportunity to buff Will, which is very useful.
Goemon = Rie
Katsuhiko – in general, it's a good opportunity to gather resources. But taking him to the desert is still stupid.
Ito – useful.
Ren – take a perk that will force you to always initiate battles? In this expansion, where someone attacks you from every corner, and even the trees try to drain your blood? No, thank you.
Keiji. The first level is so-so, only 4 useful stats. But it gets better after that. Agitovar is not needed, but you can take Agility, as I understand. Kirishima gives a lot of Agility. But the downside is the problem of role-playing. A serious problem. We divide the bonuses in half (taking into account the potential problems with building unity with the rest of the companions if you are an "evil" character).
Rikiya. Strength! More strength! Super strength!! Well, in general, he's good.
Araki. Wow, interesting... Potentially one of the best, probably, but there was no chance to keep him.

I would rather befriend Misato or Konomi.

And in general, I would befriend Tsukiko. She has excellent bonuses, and I'm even a little proud that they are so good. But alas./